r AID-A092 825 ARMY TEST AND EVALUATION COMMAND ABERDEEN PROVING GRO-.ETC F/ 17/2.1FUNCTIONAL TESTING COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT (AVIONICS).(U)JUL

80

UNCLASSIFIED TOP-6-3-025 NL

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IIEEEEEEIII

* UNCLASSIFIED

RE.R TYCMETAIO OFG REOT wERO CVREm

* ArmyrTent 'and-EVWU'Wttoon~nd

Functional Testing Communication Equipment)

A, L*4AN NUN FR(a)

W.PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS / 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT. PROJECT. TASK

4"MUS Am~y Aviation Development Test Activi ty v1 AREA & WORK UNIT NUMBERS'

~(STEBG-QA)Fort Rucker, AL 36362 DARCOM-R 310-6

C . -CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 1 2. -RefQRT DATEUS Army Test and Evaluation Command 31 /u g

~(DRSTE-AD-M) . UM9ER OFPA40ES

*berdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005 3414. MONITORING AGENCY NAME & ADORESS(if different from Controlling Office) 1S. SECURITY CLASS. (of this report)

-~UNCLASSIFIED

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. SDECO0 9 NO8

17. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT (of thme abstract entered In Block 20, It different Mrm Report)

IS. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

19. KEY WORDS (Continue on reverse side linecossary mid Identify by block number)

Communication PerformanceAvionics SurvivalAirborne TestRadio6ntennas'NABSTRAC? (cmtaeo reege eit n.eatF and tdentitr by block numvber)

This document provides guidance and procedures for performance testing airbornecommunication equipment. The document addresses the following: (0 Communica-

Ition Range, '(1) Transmission Pattern, (4) Homingr4o) Retransmission, Effects ofIAtiiospheric Conditions, and (OrOurability. It provides the test project office-rwith general information and guidance in test preparation, test controls, testS conduct and data reduction.

OD,%n1473 EDITION or ? NovS s O,7i2, A~ ( 3 30 / -g0VIQuor CAI.'MR01 TI W f. .er00 :

US ARMY TEST AND EVALUATION COMMANDTEST OPERATIONS PROCEDURES

DRSTE-RP-702-10 5*Test Operations Procedure 6-3-025 31 July 1980

AD No

FUNCTIONAL TESTING COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT (AVIONICS)

PageParagraph 1. Scope ................... *..... ............ 1

2. Facilities, Equipment, Instrumentation, and SupportRequirements .............. .. .. ...... 2

3. Preparation for Test .............................. 54o Test Controls ..................... 9

5. Functional Performance Tests ..................... 105o1 General Guidance........ .... ...... ... 105.2 Airborne Communication Equipment............. 115.3 Survival Radios ........................... . 165.4 Antennas, (Aviation) ............ . ........... 196. Data Reduction and Presentation ................... 24

Appendix A-1 Pretest Checklist ................. A1A-2 Post-Test Checklist ... ..... ...... ..... A-2B Data Collection Forms ............ ......... B-IC Supplementary Information . ................ . C

1. SCOPE. This TOP establishes the procedures to conduct functional developmenttesting of aircraft communications equipment, particularly communication systems(radio) utilized to allow the transfer of information either between aircraft or betweenaircraft and ground positions. The transfer of informa tion includes various modes ofoperation including voice communication, homing retransmission which circumventsline-of-sight and range restriction, and coded transmission (continuous wave, tele-metry, multiplexing, etc.). Any given system may allow operation in one or more ofthese modes. The technical characteristics vary primarily in the techniques utilizedfor modulation; e.g., amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), andsingle side band (SSB). The antenna pattern is not a test measurement of the opera-tional flexibility of the communication equipment; however, the antenna pattern doeshave a bearing on the operational flexibility of a communication system and must beknown to effectively accomplish the functional test. The procedures for establishingantenna patterns are contained in this document, although they need not be used when

C the antenna pattern for a particular antenna and aircraft configuration is known. TheC -This TOP supr daa.= 6-3-025, Avionics, Communications Equipment,

Lt J MTP 6-3-024, Survival Radios; and supplements ITP 6-3-020, Antennas, General.--. J ApproVejfor Public Release; Distribution Unlimited.'--

TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

scope of this document is sufficiently broad and the test procedures, by design, aregeneral enough to accommodate testing of new communication technology and the redesignof existing equipment due to changes in aircraft configuration and tactical operation.

2. FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTATION, AND SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS.Functional developmental testing of aircraft avionic and communication systems will beaccomplished within the aircraft environment of the designated aircraft type and con-figuration for which the avionic/communication equipment was developed, and in accord-ance with all Army maintenance and operational scenarios established for the designedaircraft and avionic/communication systems. The facilities, instrumentation, andsupport equipment required to support the developmental test should be defined in theTest Design Plan (TDP) or the Maintenance Support Plan (MSP) ; however,if this data is noavailable, the following facility characteristics, support, and instrumentation require-ments should be addressed as a minimum to support the evaluation of all developmentalcriteria presented in the appropriate requirement documents (LR, LOA, ROC, MN, etc.).

2. 1 Facility.

CHARACTERISTICS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Operational airfield As required to support test aircraft.

Communication facility Capable of receiving and interrogatingthe airborne communication equipment.

Airspace As appropriate to conduct test.

Maintenance support As required to support aircraft and testequipment.

Instrumentation/avionics facility As required to support test.

Data reduction facility As required to support data reduction.

2.2 Equipment.

Maintenance support Standard Army tool set.

Photographic/Video Color camera (motion, still), as required.

Appropriate aircraft and aircraft

support equipment As required.

2

31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

CHARACTERISTICS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Meteorological equipment As required.

Equipment required by referencedTOP's As required.

Acession For

2.3 Instrumentation. As required. NTIS GRA&IXDC TAB

2.4 Support Requirements. Justification

2.4.1 Personnel.

Photographic As required.

Instrumentation As required. a1i land/or

Dist. special

Data reduction As required.

Maintenance(avionics, aircraft) As required.

Pilots As required.

Human Factors Engineer As required.

2.4.2 References.

a. Army Regulation 70-10, Test and Evaluation During Development and Acquisitionof Materiel.

b. Army Regulation 385-16, System Safety.

c. AMC Regulation 700-38, w/TECOM Supplement 1 and USAAVNDTA Supplement1, Test and Evaluation--Incidents Disclosed During Materiel Testing.

d. DARCON, Regulation 70-8, w/TECOM Supplement 1, DARCOM Value EngineeringProgram.

e. AMC Regulation 385-12, w/TECOM Supplement 1, Life Cycle Verification ofMateriel Safety.

3

TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

f. TECOM Regulation 70-23, Research and Development: Equipment PerformanceReports (EPR's).

g. TECOM Regulation 70-24, Research and Development: Documenting Test Plans

and Reports, w/changes 1 and 2.

h. MIL-C-55163, Calibration of Test and Measuring Equipment.

I. MIL-H-46855, Human Engineering Requirements for Military Systems. Equip-ment, and Facilities.

j. MIL-S-1472, Human Engineering Design Criteria for Military Systems. Equip-ment, and Facilites.

k. TOP 1-2-609, Instructional Material Adequacy Guide and Evalu tion Standard(IMAGES).

1. TOP 1-2-610, Human Factors Engineering.

m. TOP 6-3-020, Antennas, General.

n. TOP 6-3-506, Durability.

o. TOP 6-3-508, Submersion.

p. TOP 6-3-509, Effects of Weather.

q. TOP 6-3-514, Qualitative Frequency Accuracy and Stability.

r. TOP 6-3-515, Reliable Communication Range.

s. TOP 6-3-517, Electrical Power Requirements.

t. TOP 6-3-521, Operational Intelligibility Testing of Voice Communication Equip-ment.

u. TOP 6-3-526, Functional Requirements/Aircraft Test Instrumentation.

4

T31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

v. TOP 7-3-058, Built-In Test Equipment.

w. TOP 7-3-059, Diagnostic and Inspection Equipment (Aviation).

x. TOP 7-3-500, Physical Characteristics (Aviation Materiel).

y. TOP 7-3-501, Personnel Training.

z. TOP 7-3-502, Installation Characteristics.

aa. TOP 7-3-503, Arrival Inspection/Pre-Operational Inspection (Aviation Materiel).

bb. TOP 7-3-506, Safety.

cc. TOP 7-3-507, Maintenance (Maintainability/Availability).

dd. TOP 7-3-508, Reliability (Aviation Materiel).

ee.TOP 7-3-509, Compatibility/Related Equipment (A'iation Materiel).

ff. TOP 7-3-519, Photographic Coverage.

gg. TOP 7-3-530, Vulnerability and Security (Aviation Materiel).

hh.Requirements documents (LR, LOA, ROC, Materiel Needs, etc.).

3. PREPARATION FOR TEST. This section provides guidance for planning a functionaldevelopmental test of aviation communication equipment. Consummate the planning phasewith the detailed test plan. The test plan will establish the test methodology and providethe procedures for gathering and reducing data to accommodate each developmental testobjective. The test plan will also identify all facility, instrumentation, equipment, andsupport requirements including any specialized training requirements. Follow the appro-priate test planning steps as outlined below to insure a complete, thorough, and cost-effective test.

3.1 Review. Review all pertinent data related to the materiel development test.

a. Requirements documents (LR, LOA, ROC, Materiel Needs, etc.).

b. TECOM Independent Evaluation Plan/Test Design Plan (IEP/TDP).

5

TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

c. Applicable materiel available from the procuring agency or developer/contractor.

d. Pertinent reports on previous tests of similar equipment.

e. Any other applicable source of information (AR's, TOP's, TM, etc.).

3.2 Test Objective. Establish the overall test objectives, as outlined in the TECOM

test directive and IEP/TDP. Review the requirements documents for developmentalcriteria ana estailish appropriate subtest objectives such as:

a. Initial Inspection. Determine the con!ition and completeness of the communica-

tion system in accordance with TOP 7-3-503. Perform the following as a minimum:

(1) An inventory check against the basic issue item list (BIlL). Submit an

equipment performance report for any discrepancies in accordance with reference 2.4.2 f.

(2) Remove all protective coverings and preservatives, and inspect for defects.

(3) Check for completeness of assembly.

(4) Examine the maintenance support package for completeness, discrepancies,

or defects.

b. Physical Characteristics. Determine th~physical characteristics of the communica-

tion equipment in accordance with TOP 7-3-500. Perform the following as a minimum:

(1) Photograph as appropriate and note the legibility and effectiveness of the test

equipment's legends, markings, etc.

(2) Determine the physical dimensions, weight, and volume of all subsystem

components.

(3) Determine the weight volume of the total system.

c. Installation Characteristics. Determine the installation/removal characteristics

of the test equipment in accordance with TOP 7-3-502.3 Perform the following as a minimum:

1. TOP 7-3-503, Arrival Inspection/Pre-Operational Inspection (Aviation Materiel).

2. TOP 7-3-500, Physical Characteristics (Aviation Materiel).

3. TOP 7-3-502, Installation Characteristics.

6

31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

(1) Evaluate the installation instructions for accuracy and completeness.

(2) Evaluate the Installation technique and mounting provisions to protect thetest equipment against shock and vibrations, as applicable.

(3) Evaluate all subsystem, system, or equipment interfaces (plugs, cables,connectors, etc.) for positive response and secure locking.

(4) Evaluate the system/component installation characteristics for ease andquickness. Assess the following:

(a) Accessibility.

(b) Mounting flexibility.

(c) Quick disconnect design.

d. Compatibility. Determine if the communication equipment is compatible witheach aircraft for which it was designed, compatible with the mission objective of thedesignated aircraft, and compatible with all other instruments and equipmept on the desig-nated aircraft. Do this in accordance with the compatibility TOP 7-3-509.

e. Performance Test. Determine the adequacy and suitability of the communicationequipment to perform its intended function in all applicable operational environments andflight modes in which the designated aircraft is expected to perform. Follow the testingprocedures as presented in paragraph 5, Performance Test, this TOP. Pay particularattention to the lighting and H FE considerations. If instrumentation of the aircraft isrequired to verify the performance sensitivity of the test equipment, see TOP 6-3-526.

f. Reliability!, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM). Evaluate the6 RAM charac-teristics of the communication equipment in accordance with TOP 7-3-507 and TOP 7-3-508.

g. Technical Manuals. Determine the adequacy of the technical manuals in accord-ance with TOP 1-2-609.6

4. TOP 7-3-509, Compatibility/Related Equipment (Aviation Materiel).5. TOP 6-3-526, Functional Requirements/Aircraft Test Instrumentation.6. TOP 7-3-507, Maintenance (Maintainability, Availability).7. TOP 7-3-508, Reliability (Aviation Materiel).S. TOP 1-2-609, Instructional Material Adequacy Guide and Evaluation Standard (IMAGES).

7

TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

h. Personnel Training. Assess the scope of training required to efficiently operateand use the communication equipment under all aircraft flight environments in the desig-nated aircraft mission scenario. Issess any maintenance training required to maintainthe equipment. (See TOP 7-3-501)

i. Human Factors. Assess the communication equipment operationq characterlsticsand performance. Assess the following in accordance with TOP 1-2-610.

(1) Controls and indicators.

(2) Legends - Effectiveness, visibility, and readability.

(3) Performance - Note traditional operational procedures and system statusfeedback to the operator, correct response to operational input, auditory and visualcharacteristics for clarity and distinction.

j. Safety. Identify and evaluate any characteristic of the communication equipmentwhich could lead to a flight safety consideration. Such a condition could result from insuf-ficient or extraneous information as well as critical information groupin /Ifyout or displaytechnique. Insure that all failure modes are fail-safe (see TOP 7-3-506).

3.3 Schedule. Prepare a detailed test time line depicting each test associated event whichmust occur to accomplish the test objectives and to insure facilities, logistics, personnel,and support equipment are available in a time frame conducive to accomplishing a compre-hensive and cost-effective test. The time line should show sufficient time periods allottedto accomplish each test objective, insuring that adequate amounts of test data are takento project required statistical confidences to the test results. The following scheduleitems should be addressed as a minimum.

a. Facility. Schedule the applicable facility requirements presented in section 2. 1.Facility requirements associated with adverse flight conditions due to meteorological environ-mental considerations should not be overlooked. Flights at night and, in particular, underinstrument meteorological conditions (IMC), place the greatest demand on the communicationequipment.

b. Instrumentation Equipment and Support. Schedule, as applicable, instrumentationsupport test equipment and support requirements as presented in sections 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4.

9. TOP 7-3-501, Personnel Training.10. TOP 1-2-610, Human Factors Engineering.11. TOP 7-3-506, Safety.

8

31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

c. Logistics. Schedule logistics requirements, as appropriate, including ground

handling equipment, administrative transportation of both personnel and equipment,

aircraft fueling, and other servicing accommodations.

3.4 Plan of Test. Develop a detailed test plan in accordance with TECOM Regulation

70-24 2 and IEP/TDP. This plan will provide the test data requirements and thedata collection procedures to satisfy each test objective.

3. 5 Test Safety. Assess any potential safety consideration for test personnel and equip-ment. Take appropriate steps (training, safety checklist, posters, etc.) to insure thatthe safety measures are observed throughout the test. Acquire any test safety releases,as required.

3.6 Environmental Impact. Determine if there are any environmental considerations.If environmental considerations exist, develop procedures or outline precautions to beobserved to protect the environment.

3. 7 Security. Security safeguards for the United States Government and for the securityof the proprietary rights of the test materiel developer must be considered early in thetest planning stage. The following steps must be taken:

a. Consult the TECOM security classification guide for the project, as appropriate.

b. Consult the primary test agency security representative for security guidance.Coordinate with security personnel of other test support agencies and industry, as appro-priate.

c. Take appropriate security measures throughout the test to safeguard intra-

industry proprietary rights and to safeguard the security of Government property.

4. TEST CONTROLS. The developmental communication equipment test will be con-

ducted and test data will be recorded in strict compliance with the TECOM test directive

and IEP/TDP. If specific directions are not available, the following guidelines will

prevail:

a. Reduce measurements to universal metric and English units.

b. Round out numerical observations to the nearest tenth.

c. Report time to the nearest hundredth of an hour.

d. Accomplish and record physical characteristics in compliance with TOP 7-3-500.13

12. TECOM Regulation 70-24, Research and Development: Documenting Test Plans and

Reports, w/changes 1 and 2.13. TOP 7-3-500, Physical Characteristics (Aviation Materiel).

9

TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

e. Calibrate instrumentation and test equipment and have a current calibrationcertificate for all.

f. Conduct all tests and collect data in compliance with prescribed and/or standardprocedures and when deviations are required, justification will be documented.

g. Record and process all data in a timely fashion.

h. Assign only properly trained and qualified personnel to participate in the conductof the test. In particular, pilot qualifications/capability must reflect the expertisenecessary to fly the test flight profiles with precision and safety.

i. Conduct the functional airborne communication test in a test environment repre-sentative of the operational environment intended for its use.

j. Conduct each test run under documented conditions, such that the test resultscould be duplicated or compared.

k. Follow the detailed test plan; document any deviations from same. Avoid non-essential test delay due to aircraft scheduled maintenance. This can be accomplishedthrough coordination and planning.

5. FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE TESTS. The objective of this subtest is to outlinea series of engineering test procedures which can be used to determine the operationalrange, clarity, and accuracy of the communication equipment in the aviation environment.The conduct of this subtest will be performed in compliance with the TECOM test directiveand IEP/TDP. However, if specific guidance is not available, the following generalguidance and specific test metnodology will be used to evaluate tne functional

performance of the communication equipment.

5. 1 General Guidance. General guidance establishes certain test procedures commonto the functional performance testing of the communication equipment within the scope ofthis TOP.

a. Determine specific functional characteristics from the test criteria that the testitem must demonstrate in the operational environment.

b. Prepare an aircraft flight profile reflecting specific flight modes and charac-teristics which will exercise each functional characteristic of the communication equip-ment.

10

31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

c. Install and check out the communication equipment in accordance with theinstallation instructions. Insure input and output signals are within specifiedlimits and that no operational hazards exist.

d. Install, check out, and calibrate test instrumentation as required to recordtest flight data. Photographs, motion picture, and/or magnetic tape recordings areconventional methods of collecting performance data for comparison and validationpurposes.

e. Calibrate all test nuipment and instrumentation in accordance with TECOMSupplement to AR 750-25.

f. Insure communication and meteorological ground support is available duringall flight test phases, as required.

g. Insure adequate data are recorded during each flight to provide credibility as tothe clarity and accuracy of the test communication equipment. Subjective interpretationsof performance by qualified observers will also be used to evaluate performance.

h. Perform an equipment functional test prior to each test flight and record the

following information:

(1) Test run and sequence number description.

(2) Test item nomenclature and serial number.

(3) Functional characteristic of the communication equipment to be eval-uated during the particular test run.

(4) Results of equipment functional test.

i. Fly the predetermined flight profile using the test item as the primary communica-tion equipment. Record pertinent flight, meteorological, and communication equipmentperformance data as required.

5. 2 Airborne Communication Equipment.

5. 2. 1 Operational Characteristics. Verify the following technical properties of thecommunication equipment, as appropriate.

14. AR 750-25, w/TECO.M Supplement 1, Arm, Aletrolog" and Calibration System.

11

TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

a. Power Requirements -- verify the electrical power requirements of the communica-

tion equipment. Insure that all requirements are satisfied by the electrical systems of the

aircraft on which the test item is installed, and that the communication equipment power

requirements do not exceed the allowable limits.

b. Controls, adjustments, and indicators (mechanical and electrical).

(1) For each control, adjustment, and indicator, determine the following, as

appropriate.

(a) Operation is correct.

(b) Effect on the system is as required.

(c) Absence of binding and rubbing.

(d) Calibration is proper.

(e) Changes are monitored and displayed correctly.

(f) Range is correct.

(2) List any discrepancies.

(3) Evaluation of devices requiring flight conditions will be checked during the

operation and performance demonstration flights.

c. Equipment safety and protective devices -- verify proper operation of each.

d. Fail-Safe Characteristics -- evaluate the system for the following:

(1) Internal failure -- when the system becomes inoperative because of an internal

failure, operator personnel shall be made aware of the condition. Simulate failures and

xerify indication.

(2) Acceptance or provision of external signals -- if the system accepts/provides

electrical signals from/to other onboard avionics equipment, operator personnel shall

be made aware of any out of limit level existing on any line. Simulate failures on each line

and check for indication.

12

AI

31 July 1980 TOP 6-2-025

e. Confidence, self-checking or integrity circuits -- if any, verify proper opera-tion.

f. Primary technical characteristics -- measure receiver sensitivity and trans-mitter power and frequency (at selected points distributed across the operating fre-quency range, if applicable.)

g. Cold start and warmup -- subject the system to a minimum of three consecutivecold start power application procedures. Determine warmup time and effect dueto multiple power applications.

5. 2.2 Performance Test. Perform the following:

a. Check the system for proper operation in all modes for which it is designed.Conduct test utilizing various types of aircraft involved in air-to-ground and air-to-air communications procedures. Plan the procedures so that the system under test Isnetted against various types of existing communication systems in addition to an evalua-tion involving communications between aircraft similarly equipped. Particular atten-tion shall be paid and noted to any problems, e.g., noise, fading or intermittentsignal, poor intelligibility encountered during all procedures. Utilize all controls andvarious frequencies to determine their effectiveness.

b. Accomplish speech intelligibility test in accordance witkjhe Modified RhymeTest as presented in Human Factors Engineering TOP 1-2-610. Assure that thebackground noise and sound pressure levels reflect the operational environment ofthe test equipment.

5.2.3 Communications Range -- Air-to-Ground. Perform the following:

a. Fly the aircraft at various altitudes to the maximum practical range for thesystem from an omnidirectional transmitting ground station.

b. Attempt communications with the system operating at various frequencies overits band. Include at least one high, one low, and one median channel. Note channelchanging time required and difficulties in reestablishing communications.

5. 2. 4 Transmission Pattern. Perform the following:

a. Maneuver the aircraft through procedures which present the aircraft in differentprofiles to the ground station utilizing an altitude which affords good transmission and ap-proximately at the maximum practical range.

15. TOP 1-2-610, Human Factors Engineering.

13

TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

b. Note and record any configurations in which communication is lost or becomesunintelligible.

5.2.5 Range Pattern/Homing. Perform the following:

a. Proceed inbound to the station, using a median altitude and starting from themaximum practical range.

b. Maintain communications while inbound noting particularly any inability of thesystem to provide automatic gain control with increasing signal strength.

c. Utilize the capability of systems provided with a "homing" mode of operationwhile inbound and outbound for directional navigation. Note the error in direction anddifficulties of display interpretation.

5.2.6 Air-to-Air/Retransmission. Perform the following:

a. Determine the ability of the system to provide air-to-air communications byhaving similarly equipped aircraft conduct various flight patterns with respect to eachother while maintaining communications. Include the following:

(1) Straight line approaches and departures.

(2) Aircraft at different altitudes, at various ranges with respect to eachother and either approaching or receding.

b. Check the capability where the system provides for a "retransmission" mode,by having two aircraft operate over a test range which includes two ground stationsseparated by approximately twice the maximum range. Have the ground stations commu-nicate through the aircraft and note the effectiveness of this system mode.

5.2. 7 Simulated Tactical Mission. The use of the communication system during fieldoperations shall be evaluated by the following:

a. Utilize aircraft equipped with the test system in simulated tactical operations.

b. During the operation, have the aircraft provide for surveillance, etc., whilecommunicating with ground forces. Insure that the system is utilized in communicationswith similar types of communication equipment utilized by ground forces including allmobile (vehicle mounted), portable (man-carried), and large ground systems such asthose used for landing and traffic control at temporary airfields.

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31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

5.2. 8 Effects of Atmospheric Conditions. Selected performance procedures shall beconducted during periods of atmospheric change to determine the effects of the changeon transmission, reception, day or night displays, and other performance character-istics. These periods and/or conditions will include:

a. Night hours.

b. Hours at sunrise and sunset.

c. Poor weather conditions, poor visibility (rain, fog).

d. High and low temperatures existing during the test period.

e. Operation to the maximum operative altitude of the equipment or aircraft withinpractical limits.

5.2.9 Durability. On completion of the operation and performance tests, the durabilitycharacteristics of the system will be examined. Perform the following:

a. A visual inspection with consideration given to the following:

(1) Loose chassis components.

(2) Loose or missing hardware.

(3) Broken fasteners or seams.

(4) Discoloration due to heat effects, rust, or corrosion.

(5) Loose panel components.

For each defect, the nature and location shall be noted.

b. A remeasurement of primary technical characteristics to determine any degrada-

tion (transmitter power, receiver sensitivity).

c. An examination of equipment failures isolating those that are attributed to lack of

durability.

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TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

5.2. 10 Data Required. Record and time correlate the following:

a. Flight profile information to include test run sequence number and profiledescription.

b. Meteorological conditions during each test run; I. e., temperature, relativehumidity, atmospheric pressure, windspeed and direction, precipitation, and othercharacteristics.

c. Test engineering data:

(1) Flight performance data; airspeed, altitude, attitude, rate of climb/descent,and bank angle.

(2) Time marked to known reference.

(3) Photographic data.

(4) Aircraft to ground transmissions.

(5) Communication equipment performance data.

d. Subjective data.

5.3 Survival Radios.

5.3.1 Discussion. The survival radio is utilized to alert rescue personnel of an emer-gency situation and as an aid in locating personnel in distress. Survival, following aforced landing or crash of an aircraft on land or at sea, is often dependent upon howquickly rescue is effected. Effective radio communication represents the best meansof aiding in a rescue operation.

5.3.2 Operational Characteristics. Verify the following technical properties of thesurvival radio as appropriate.

a. Power Requirements -- Verify the electrical power characteristics of the survivalradio in accordance with TOP 6-3-517. 16 Insure that the power requirement satisfiesthe requirement documents and is a suitable power source for the mission scenario pre-sented in the MN document.

16. TOP 6-3-517, Electrical Power Requirements.

16

31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

b. Controls, adjustments, and indicators (mechanical and electrical).

(1) Determine the following for each control, adjustment, and indicator, asappropriate.

(a) Operation is correct.

(b) Effect on the system is as required.

(c) Absence of binding and rubbing.

(d) Changes are monitored and displayed correctly.

(e) Range is correct.

(2) List any discrepancies.

(3) Check characteristics requiring flight conditions to evaluate during theoperation and performance test.

c. Equipment Safety and Protective Devices -- verify proper operation of each.

d. Fail-Safe Characteristics -- evaluate the system for the following:

(1) Self-Test -- when the system/subsystem becomes inoperative, operatorpersonnel shall be made aware of the condition. Simulate failures and verify indication.

(2) Redundancy -- circuitry, subsystems; verify any automatic switching capa-bility by simulating failures.

e. Primary Technical Characteristics -- measure receiver sensitivity and trans-mitter power and frequency (at selected points distributed across the operating fre-quency range, if applicable).

f. Cold Starts and Warmup -- subject the system to a minimum of three consecutivecold start power application procedures. Determine warmup time and effects due tonultiple power application.

17

TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

5.3.3 Submersion. Determine the water immersion resistanfc characteristics of thesurvival radio in accordance with TOP 6-3-508, Submersion.

5.3.4 Effects of Weather. Evaluate the survival radio under applicable weather condi-tions as presented in TOP 6-3-509, Effects of Weather. 18

5. 3. 5 Performance Test. Evaluate the functional performance of the survival radioas a function of reliable range, voice intelligibility, frequency accuracy, and stability.

a. Reliable Range. Operate the survival radio in areas typical of those for whichit was designed (also, operate from within simulated "downed" aircraft), and determineits reliable communication and homing range by locating, communicating with, andhoming to the homing signal emitted by the radio. To deterine the maximum reliablerange of the test radio, use the procedures of TOP 6-3-515 as a guide and proceed asfollows:

(1) Establish communication between a rescue aircraft and the survival radiooperator.

(2) Operating the survival radio in the normal transmit mode, have the rescueaircraft proceed from over the survival radio location outbound on a cardinal heading.The aircraft altitude versus slant range from the survival radio ground position for line-of-sight communication can be determined by the equation NM= 47J(l.23). NM=NauticalMiles slant range and A=Altitude in feet. Appendix C contains a graph of this relation-ship.

(3) Exercise the airborne equipment and survival radio equipment jointly in

the various operational modes/codes while observing the equipment for maximum rangeat which loss of signal occurs.

(4) Have the aircraft reverse course and proceed inbound until the survival

radio signals are observed.

(5) Repeat procedures 2, 3, and 4 above, observing signal quality in the vicinityof the survival radio and at the range where signal loss occurs.

(6) Execute 3600 turns on random headings and at arbitrarily selected rangesto determine homing and range reliability. Conduct the test at gradually increasingranges to determine the effect of range on homing reliability and reception.

17. TOP 6-3-508, Submersion.18. TOP 6-3-509, Effects of Weather.19. TOP 6-3-515, Reliable Communication Range.

18

31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

b. Voice Intelligibility. Determine the quality of voice Intelligibility relative to

range using the IA-odified Rhyme Test as presented in TOP 1-2-610. Background noise

and sound pressure levels should reflect the operational environment of the test equip-ment.

5.3.6 Durability. Evaluate the durability of the survival radio in accordance with TOP6-3-506, Durability. 21

5.3.7 Data Required. Record and time correlate the following:

a. Flight profile information to include test run sequence number and profile des-cription.

b. Meteorological condition during each test run, i.e., temperature, relativehumidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, precipitation, and other

characteristics.

c. Test engineering data:

(1) Flight performance data; airspeed, altitude, attitude, rate of climb/descent,

and bank angle.

(2) Time marked to known reference.

(3) Photographic data.

(4) Aircraft to ground transmissions.

(5) Survival radio performance data.

(6) Subjective data.

5.4 Antennas (Aviation).22

5. 4. 1 Discussion. This section will supplement TOP 6-3-020, Antennas. General,

to include procedures for determining the antenna pattern unique to aviation. "General.

20. TOP 1-2-610, Human Factors Enzineering.21. TOP 6-3-506, Durability.22. TOP 6-3-020, Antennas. General.

19

TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

An effective measurement of the radiation pattern can only be accomplished if the varia-bles affecting the data are held to a minimum. Variables such as weather, normalequipment Instability, and exact orientation of ground measurement antennas cannotreadily be completely controlled and for the purposes of this TOP, are considerednegligible. The controllable variables, such as operator technique, flight technique,data recording, and data presentation, must be held to a minimum."

5. 4.2 Performance Procedure.

5.4.2.1 Airborne Station.

a. General. Flight for the purpose of conducting antenna radiation patterns mustbe performed over a predetermined ground fix. The ground fix should be recognizablefrom an altitude of 2, 500 feet and be in an area of sparse air traffic.

b. Personnel. The aircraft conducting thie antenna patterns should contain twopersons; one to fly the aircraft, the other to act as safety observer.

c. Operation.

(1) Upon arrival at the established ground fix, the pilot will maintain one flightlevel (normally 2, 500 feet MSL) and establish radio contact with the ground station ona test frequency, and inform the ground crew that he is ready to initiate the test. Thepilot, upon arriving over the ground fix, straight and level, on a heading of 3600 will:

(a) Call "360 Mark."

(b) After passing the fix, he will hold the heading for approximately 30 seconds0 0and execute a 15 teardrop turn to the right to a heading of 195

(c) The pilot should have the aircraft on the proper heading 10 seconds priorto passing over the fix in order to alert the ground crew.

(d) Over the fix, he will call "195 Mark," hold heading approximately 30 seconds,and execute another teardrop to the right to a heading of 300 .

(e) By making continuous right-hand 150 teardrop turns, the pilot will fly allheadings, multiple of 150, FROM the fix, as shown in the following table. (For furtherreference, see Figure 2, Appendix C, Flight Courses for Antenna Radiation Patterns.)

20

31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

LEG TRUE MG HEADING

1 3602 1953 0304 2255 0606 2557 0908 2859 120

10 31511 15012 345 CLOVERLEAF PATTERN13 180 150 INTERVALS14 01515 21016 04517 24018 07519 27020 10521 30022 14523 33024 175

NOTE: The pilot must alert the ground crew as he approaches the fix and call "Mark"for each heading.

(2) After completion of the patterns for straight and level flight, patterns willbe conducted with the aircraft in a standard rate turn to the right and in a standard rateturn to the left. After notifying the ground crew, the pilot will initiate a standard rateturn from a heading of 3600 with his mike keyed. The pilot will call off each 150 incre-ment in the turn, e. g., "015 Mark," "030 Mark," etc.

NOTE: Separate patterns will be conducted throughout the range of the tested equipment.If available, three frequencies, one each from the low, medium, and high portions of thetested equipment's frequency range.

21

TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

d. Bench Check. The equipment to be tested will be thoroughly bench testedin accordance with applicable TM prior to the flight test.

5.4. 2.2 Ground Station.

a. General. The ground station utilized can be either mobile or stationary. Thefield intensity measurement equipment (AN/URM-85 or equivalent) will be the same foreither station.

b. Operation Instructions. The Noise and Field Intensity Meter will be operatedIn accordance with the following:

(1) Preliminary Adjustments. The following steps comprise the preliminarysetup and adjustments that must be made prior to taking any radiation measurements:

(a) Set the controls to the positions indicated.

Control Position

Power OffFunction Switch Meter BalanceImpulse Gen. P.R. R. X100Cycles 10Sine Wave Oscillator Impulse Gen. Switch OffSlideback Maximum cwI. F. Maximum cwVolume Maximum cw

(b) Check tuning unit for required frequency range (1 of 4 tuners coveringfrom 20 mc to 1000 mc).

(c) Turn power on. Allow five minutes warmup.

(d) Connect the tuning unit to the attenuator output connector by means of the 6inch patch cord.

(e) Connect one 18 inch patch cord from the Signal Input Connector on the mainunit to the Signal Input Connector on Switching Unit, SU-105.

22

31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

(f) Connect the other 18 inch patch cord from the Impulse Generator Connectoron the main unit to the Impulse Generator Connector on Switching Unit, SU-105.

(g) Connect the 30 foot cable assembly (CB-105) to the connector on the Switch-ing Unit marked "From Antenna."

(h) Adjust meter balance control with the function switch in "Meter Balance"position for zero reading on the large meter.

(1) Change function switch to "Zero Adjust" position and turn the zero adjustuntil meter again reads zero. Repeat Steps h and i until meter remains at zero.

(j) Turn to peak and set I. F. gain control to approximately 3/4 of its fullyclockwise position.

(k) Turn on Impulse Generator and plug in earphones.

(1) Set toggle switch on switching unit (SU-105) to "Calibrate" position.

(m) Adjust "Fine Contact Adjust" for a clean tone and turn off impulse generator.

(n) Connect the loose end of the 30 foot antenna cable to the proper antenna(dependent upon frequency). Antenna will be erected in a vertical position toward the pre-determined ground fix.

(o) Set function switch to "Peak" with toggle switch on switching unit to "Cali-brate" position.

(p) Adjust IF gain control with impulse generator on, until pointer lines upwith "Cal Mark" on large meter.

(q) Adjust impulse generator output attenuator (pull to turn) to maintain thepointer in the lower one-third of the meter scale.

(r) Set toggle switch on switching unit to "Read" position and function switchto "Carrier."

23

TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

(s) With an input signal, adjust tuning control on tuning unit for maximummeter deflection on large meter. It may be necessary to change the signal inputattenuator setting in order to achieve an "on scale" meter reading. Set signal in-put attenuator to facilitate easier reading of the meter and use this setting as a refer-

ence throughout the test.

c. Recording,

(1) Record the collected data on a locally prepared form. (See attachedAntenna Radiation Pattern Data Sheet, Appendix B) If desired, this data could thenbe transferred to a polar graph by the project engineer.

(2) Two persons are required for recording the data. One person will assimilatethe data while the other is recording it.

(3) The DB setting of the signal input attenuator will be recorded and used asa reference. This reference will be used throughout the test, if feasible. If thereference has to be changed during the test, the change will be recorded in the"Remarks" column of the Data Sheet.

(4) The headings shown on the Data Sheet will be the magnetic heading of theaircraft and the relative bearing of the ground station from the nose of the aircraft.

5. 4. 3 Data Required. Field strength (DB) versus aircraft/antenna orientation to the

field strength meter. See Antenna Radiation Pattern Data Sheet, Appendix B.

6. DATA REDUCTION AND PRESENTATION.

6. 1 Data Reduction. Identify, organize, and correlate raw test data as to time, para-

meter grouping, and test run. As required, convert raw test measurements to engineer-ing units. Analyze the performance data for the aircraft instrument to satisfy the testobjectives and determine compliance or noncompliance with the test instrument devel-opmental criterion or specifications.

6.2 Data Presentation.

a. Prepare a narrative document of the test results to include diagram, graphs,photographic, tabular, and other reduced data, as required, to support the test conclu-sions and recommendations. The degree to which the test item satisfies the test cri-teria or specifications in the operational environment should be clearly evident.

24

31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

b. In the instance of a total or partial failure of the test item to perform its intendedfunction, assess the implications of the failure and present recommendations as appli-cable.

Recommended changes to this publication should be forwarded to Commander, US ArmyTest and Evaluation Command, ATTN: DRSTE-AD-M, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD21005. Technical information may be obtained from the preparing activity: CommanderUS Army Aviation Development Test Activity, ATTN: STEBG-QA, Fort Rucker, AL36362. Additional copies are available from the Defense Technical Information Center,Cameron Station, Alexandria, VA 22314. This document is identified by the acces-sion number (AD No) printed on the first page.

25__ No

sa

31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

APPENDIX A-i

PRETEST CHECKLIST

FUNCTIONAL TESTING COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

1. Have facilities, test equipment, instrumentation, and support requirements beenscheduled or secured? See paragraphs 2 through 2.4.2, this TOP. YesNo

2. Has appropriate test planning been accomplished In accordance with paragraphs3.1 through 3.7, this TOP? Yes No_ _

3. Have test control measures been implemented such that test results could beduplicated or compared? See paragraphs 4a through 4k, this TOP. YesNo

A-1

TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

APPENDIX A-2

POST-TEST CHECKLIST

FUNCTIONAL TESTING COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

1. Have test data been collected, recorded, and presented in accordance with thisTOP? Yes No . Comment:

2. Were the facilities, test equipment, instrumentation, and support accommodationsadequate to accomplish the test objectives? Yes No . Comment:

3. Have all data collected been reviewed for correctness and completeness?Yes No . Comment:

4. Were the test results compromised in any way due to insufficient test planning?Yes No . Comment:

5. Were the test results compromised in any way due to test performance procedures?Yes No . Comment:

6. Were the test results compromised in any way due to test control procedures?Yes No . Comment:

7. Were the test results compromised in any way due to data collection, reduction, orpresentation technique? Yes No . Comment:

A-2

-rn-i

31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

APPENDIX B

DATA COLLECTION FORM

FUNCTIONAL TESTING COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

SAMPLE

I. Date Aircraft Tail No

II. Test Run Identification Profile No

III. Test It em Identification.

Nomenclature Model No Serial No

IV. Data Collection Technique.

V. Data Parameters Being Recorded.

1.

2.

3.

B-i-i

TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

VI. Maximum Operational Range (as applicable).

Operational UtilitySlant Range Altitude Not

NM Feet Good Marginal Acce t. Comments

B-1-2

31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

ANTENNA RADIATION PATTERN DATA SHEET

Type of Antenna Pattern Frequencies (1) (2) (3)Type of Antenna Location of AntennaLocation of Ground Sta. Distance to Ground Sta.Location of A/C Flight Altitude Flight AttitudeType & No of A/C Type of Ground Equip. UsedType of Airborne Equip. Used Signal Input Atten. (Ref.) DBDate Project No Weather

Mag. Heading DB Relative Bearing Remarks

0153045607590

105120135150165180195210225240255270285300

S 315330345 _

Ground Sta. Operator

Airborne Sta. Operator

B-1-3

30_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

TOP 6-3-025 31 July 1980

VIII. Test Run Atmospheric Conditions.

1. Ambient temperature__

2. Relative Humidity__

3. Atmospheric Pressure

4. Precipitation_

IX. Observer/Operator Comments Including:

1. Commenter identification Test Responsibility

2. Test item utility.

3. Advantages/disadvantages.

4. Operational complexity.

B-1-4

31 July 1980 TOP 6-3-025

X. Test Incident Narrative Description Including:

1. Observer/narrator identification

2. Test event time line surrounding incident.

3. Pertinent circumstances surrounding incident.

4. Pertinent environmental, flight, or test parameter changes surrounding theincident.

XI. Test Personnel.

Comments

Name Title Test Function Experience

1.

2.

3.

B-1-5

APPENDIX C

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